Kelly’s story, from being a bariatric patient to being an outreach patient coordinator, is truly inspiring. After her own successful surgery at Mexico Bariatric Center®, Kelly experienced firsthand the huge impact it had on her life.
She realized she wanted to motivate others who were embarking on a similar journey. Her empathy and understanding of the challenges bariatric patients face made her a natural fit for MBC. Join us as we delve into the beginning of Kelly’s weight loss journey, her patient experience, and why she became a patient coordinator.
My Story
Hello, my name is Kelly. Before my weight loss surgery at Mexico Bariatric Center®, I weighed 220 lbs. I struggled with health issues like high blood pressure and borderline diabetes. I was dependent on my hypertension medication, and my health was a mess. I was also very depressed and realized how unhappy I was with my weight. After two years of battling with my health, I decided to make a change in my life.
The beginning of my bariatric journey started in March 2020 when I got a gastric balloon procedure in Texas. A year passed, and I felt no restriction and gained twice my weight. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I started researching where to get a revision or gastric sleeve surgery done. As I was browsing, I saw a website for sleeve surgery in Mexico. I saw so many good reviews about MBC from past patients. That’s when I took the first step and booked my surgery for July 13th, 2021. I chose to get the gastric sleeve procedure done with Dr. Alejandro Gutierrez to improve my health. From the moment I arrived in San Diego to when I flew back home, I felt welcome and safe with all of MBC’s staff.
My Weight Statistics
- Past Surgery: Gastric Balloon
- Surgery Prescribed: Gastric Sleeve
- Surgery Date: July 2021
- Surgeon: Dr. Alejandro Gutierrez
- Starting Weight: 220 lbs
- Current Weight: 126 lbs
- Goal Weight: 130 lbs
Gastric Sleeve Process
Gastric Sleeve Surgery, or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), is a procedure that offers patients more control over their weight and aids in natural weight loss. This surgery is done by reducing the stomach volume by 80% by cutting and reshaping it to resemble a banana. This leads to significant weight loss outcomes because patients feel less hungry with a smaller stomach. Patients can expect to lose 63-100% of their excess weight within the first one to two years of their surgery. Some reasons patients opt for this popular surgery are to better their health, spend more time with their family, engage in physical activities, and more.
General requirements for weight loss surgery:
- BMI of 30+ or 80 lbs overweight
- Appropriate age (16 to 65)
- Healthy heart
- Realistic expectations regarding the weight loss results
Mexico Bariatric Center’s all-inclusive gastric sleeve package starts at $4,295*
My Life After Surgery
Looking back at my journey, I never realized how big I was. I would always say no to pictures or not take pictures because I hated how I looked. I just wanted to cry because my self-confidence was at its lowest. I’m so happy because I finally got my life back after surgery. I used to wear 2XL shirts and sizes 14-18 for dresses and pants. Now, I wear small sizes for dresses, and my pants size is 3. By far, this is the best decision I have ever made in my life. I am no longer taking any medications for high blood pressure, and my sugar level is normal. I should have done this years ago. Thank you, Mexico Bariatric Center and Dr. Gutierrez I will be grateful forever. The best part of my weight loss journey is that I now get to help others with their own journey.
My Cosmetic Journey After Bariatric Surgery
It’s been a little while since my sleeve surgery, and I decided to take the next step in my transformation. I went to Mexico Cosmetic Center (MCC), the sister company of MBC, for a skinny BBL, liposuction, and an extended tummy tuck with muscle repair. I chose MCC because I already trusted Mexico Bariatric Center from my previous experience and they did not disappoint!
At just five weeks post-op, I can confidently say I finally have my dream body. I’m beyond grateful to the amazing staff at Hospital Azar seriously, they went above and beyond. They were so kind and attentive to every little detail, making me feel completely cared for the entire time. My experience there was everything I hoped for and more!
My Trip Back to Hospital Azar
In August 2025, I returned to Hospital Azar in Tijuana to support my sister Lori as she underwent a tummy tuck and Lipo 360. This was my third visit back, and I couldn’t be happier to see her achieving her dream body. I also had the privilege of meeting my amazing group of patients and welcoming people from all over the world to MBC.
While I was there, I decided to have liposuction on my abdomen with the fat transferred to my face through a facial fat transfer. The results are subtle, with minimal, barely noticeable scarring. One of the highlights of my trip was reconnecting with my bariatric surgeon, Dr. Gutierrez. I was able to share my post-op journey and thank him in person for changing my life.
Empowering others
As a patient coordinator and advocate, I aim to create a warm healthcare experience for all Mexico Bariatric Center patients. I take the time to understand each patient’s unique needs, address their questions and concerns, and guide them through the bariatric surgery process. Working with bariatric patients has been one of the best highlights of my day because I love seeing patients reach their dream bodies. After surgery, I often check in to remind them to celebrate their victories, no matter how big or small. It’s important for me to empower patients through their weight loss journey because some days can get hard, and having the right support is crucial.
“You don’t have to wait until you achieve a certain goal to reward yourself — and no, rewards don’t have to involve indulgence, either. Whether on day one or day 365 of your weight loss journey, take the time to smile at yourself in the mirror and appreciate the progress you’ve made, because even that first step is a big one.”-Kelly
Contact Kelly
Having undergone the surgery and experienced the entire process firsthand, I’m available to address any questions you may have from a patient’s point of view. From pre-operative preparations to post-operative care, I can offer advice to help alleviate any concerns you might have about your upcoming procedure. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via call or text at (+1) 214-432-7323, or you can send an email to kelly@mexicobariatriccenter.com. Your comfort and peace of mind are my priority, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
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